Wow! the ink on the ballots hadn't even dried and Mayor Mary and her band of yes people have increased the tax burden on us already. Yes, even you who voted for the Queen of Expenses will now pay more for a half time councillor and two who are leaving so it doesn't bother them one way or another.

You cannot beat a dyed-in-the-wool politician eh? Get it done before the new guys come in. Smooth.

It's a good thing that Sushil Thapar is still there but we as taxpayers better start attending council meetings and express our views so those elected know they can't just do as they please.

Municipal spending is increasing across the province but this doesn't mean we have to keep up with everyone else.

ICBC, BC Hydro, Natural Gas, and now our city leaders need more money!

Let's hope this money comes from those businesses and companies that supported our underpaid Mayor.

So once again those on a fixed income must tighten their belts and hope they do not have to go without heat and light in order to eat.

Thanks for not disappointing those of us who knew we would get more of the same from those re-elected (excluding, of course, our financial watch dog Mr. Thapar).

This is just the beginning folks so hang on to your hats (and your wallets!).

For 120 years, The Salvation Army's Christmas kettles have been synonymous with the holiday season and the spirit of giving. Kettles are already on the streets in more than 2,000 locations across Canada, collecting spare change and cash from passersby to help us serve more than 1.7 million vulnerable people in 400 communities across the country each year.

With more than three million Canadians living in poverty today—including one out of every 10 children—the need has never been greater. But, we know we can count on the overwhelming generosity of Canadians to help fill our kettles this year!

The Liberal Government and BC Hydro state that only a small number of people are concerned about the Wireless Smart Meters being forced upon them without consent. This is not accurate. Within one week, thousands of signatures have been gathered on a Petition organized by Citizens for Safe Technology Society demanding a moratorium and full independent review of BC Hydro's Wireless Smart Meter program.

To date, over 13,000 Petitioners are refusing the forced installation of Wireless Smart Meters, or demanding these same meters be removed for reasons of health, cost, privacy, security and safety. The Petition (both online and hard copies) will be presented to the Legislature on November 24, 2011, by John Horgan, NDP Opposition, Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources critic, MLA for Juan de Fuca.

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Canadians with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of Canadian labor. This year will be different. This year Canadians will give the gift of genuine concern for other Canadians. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by Canadian hands.

Yes there is!

It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?

Just how smart is BC Hydro? As smart as the so-called “Smart Meter” that they’ve undertaken to install on every residential, industrial and governmental building throughout the province of B.C.?

I’ve been aware of their plans and have been following the controversy that has been building from day one regarding the number of legitimate concerns that the people of British Columbia have voicing: health concerns; privacy concerns; and the hidden costs that inevitably show up after the system has been put in place and the consumer realizes that their hydro bill continues to skyrocket as it has ever since the Liberal government under former leader Gordon Campbell, began selling off the once pride and joy of B.C. to foreign interests in the Liberal’s bid to privatize anything and everything that once benefitted the people of the province.

The dismantling of one of our most prized and lucrative Crown corporations is a story for another time. What I want to share in this article is my own experience thus far with how the Liberal government and BC Hydro are doing their damnedest to have their ‘Smart’ Meters installed as quickly as possiby and before the uninformed electorate realize exactly what has happened to them.

Please sign this petition calling for a moratorium on smart meters in BC. NDP Energy Critic John Horgan will take all your signatures (online and hard copy) into the Victoria Legislature on November 24 and demand a halt to the Smart Meter Program. (There are over 3,000 signatures so far.)

Life is tough. No question about it. For most people there's little humour in the events of the day or in what we see crossing our television screens. On the other hand doctors and assorted healers tell us all the time that one of the best medicines is laughter. Thus this new addition to the Sentinel's Main Menu.

So if you have some humour to share with readers please feel free to send it alongl. Either jokes in text format or else cartoons. Please try to send images in jpg format or tiffs. Do keep it clean, non-racist or sexist and funny. Thanks. Editor. Send your contributions to editor@quesnelcariboosentinel.com .

For the best deals in Quesnel on household items, clothing, electronics, books, children's toys, boutique specials and unique auction collectibles do stop by and check out the fabulous items and the equally fabulous prices!!!

Don't miss "Toonie" Mondays or the last Friday of each month when their regular 5$ and 10$ bag sale happens.

Quesnel's "Sally Ann" store is located directly across the street from Shopper's Drug Mart at 246 St. Laurent Ave.

Jo-ann, Angela and Addi and their friendly staff are always there to help and humour you.